Leading by example

Some may think Kevin Rudd’s proposal to freeze parliamentarians’ salaries is a political stunt, but it’s a great idea. It ups the ante on those who would preach the need for wage earners to make do with less for the good of the economy — it’s bad for inflation or something. So come on all you top end of town salary men and coupon clippers — set the example and practice what you preach.

Brendan Nelson also showed some refreshing leadership today in his washup of his performance at yesterday’s historic formal apology to the stolen generations.

Dr Nelson said the critical response to his speech was democracy in action.

”It’s democracy, thank goodness we can live in a country where each of us can have our point of view,” Dr Nelson told the Nine Network today.

”Unfortunately some people chose not to agree with some of the things that I said yesterday and they have a right to do so.”

Dr Nelson said he presented a ”deep-felt sorry” and the nation must now move forward to address indigenous disadvantage.

He welcomed the Prime Minister’s invitation for him to co-chair a joint policy commission to tackle indigenous disadvantage.

”Whatever we achieve as a nation, the extent to which we lift the living conditions, health and life expectancy of Aboriginal Australians will be the measure by which we are ultimately judged.

”The responsibility of government … is to see we do everything we can to address the emotional needs, the housing, the health, all of the other requirements that are so necessary for these people who have suffered and been removed from their families.

”That is our responsibility and compensation … is making sure that all of these services are well-funded.”

Makes a change from Howardian dog-whistling and dismissive ridicule of all dissent. But then the Libs always were much better with honorable notions in opposition than they practice in government.